Re: [alfa] testing a regulator

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi Richard:

I've got '74 & '87 Spider's, and I'm using the same type alternator on them 
both.  The '82-'89 L-Jet Spider's use a 65-amp unit with an internal 
regulator, and it's a direct bolt-on swap to the early 2-liter 
engines.  You can pull and discard the original regulator, and its short 
harness to the alternator, but need to extend the green wire from the open 
connector to the D+ terminal on the new alternator.  That wire maintains 
function of the 'alt' or 'gen' light on the dash.  It also makes good sense 
to replace the original B+ wire from the alternator to the starter (or 
battery, if it's in front), with an 8ga. piece.  Of course, everything on 
the '74 works better, i.e. the wipers, defroster, headlights, etc., but the 
original 35-amp unit was probably also a bit compromised from age.  I 
bought the new alternator at a local discount parts store for ~$120, but 
the company linked below has them for $83, and only a $15 core charge.  My 
rebuilt was also rated a bit higher than original, at 75 amps.  The 
replacement looks almost 100% original, and I can't see any downside.

http://autoexpress.safeshopper.com/

I bought a rebuilt alternator from these guys for my wife's Volvo 850 
Turbo, and they seem to do very nice work, and offer a 3-year warranty.

Regards,

Dean


At 01:55 PM 6/23/2004, you wrote:

> Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 11:45:52 -0400 (EDT)
> From: Richard Welty <rwelty@domain.elided>
> Subject: Re: [alfa] testing a regulator
>
> On Fri, 18 Jun 2004 08:43:32 -0400 Jeff Greenfield <alfaguy@domain.elided> 
> wrote:
> > These days when I replace an alternator on an older car, I upgrade them to
> > one from a newer car. Greater output, and they have an internal regulator
> > which eliminates some wiring so it was one less place for voltage drops to
> > occur. The newer alternator bolts right in and is not that much more
> > expensive.
>
> just out of curiousity, what alternator would you substitute for the OE one
> in a 74 GTV?
>
> not that alternator has any problems right now, it's just good to know these
> things in advance.
>
> richard
> - --
> Richard Welty                                         rwelty@domain.elided
> Averill Park Networking                                         518-573-7592
>     Java, PHP, PostgreSQL, Unix, Linux, IP Network Engineering, Security
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